Policy
Lunch & Learn: Data-informed Decision Making
Join us for a discussion with a panel of child welfare data experts to discuss how real-time data has the power to make sweeping changes to Texas' child protection system in the face of our ongoing CPS crisis. Investing and advocating for these measures in the 88th Legislative Session is essential to increasing CPS' transparency, […]
Texas Tour 2022 – El Paso
In the Fall of 2021, TexProtects virtually "traveled" to eight different areas, including El Paso, to find out how we could best serve families and safeguard children. Our legislative priorities […]
Texas Tour 2022 – Houston
This Fall, TexProtects is virtually “traveling” to seven different Texas regions to discuss the best ways to serve families and children and how to navigate those needs in the upcoming […]
Texas Tour 2022 – Rio Grande Valley
n the Fall of 2021, TexProtects electronically "traveled" to eight different areas, including the Rio Grande Valley, to find out how we could best serve families and safeguard children. Our […]
Lunch & Learn: Kinship Care in the 88th Legislative Session
Join our panel of child welfare experts featuring Judge Delia Gonzales, Mercedes Bristol and Kerrie Judice for a discussion on: The state of kinship care in Texas Solutions to advocate for in the upcoming session How these solutions would be a game-changer for Texas' over-capacitated foster care system The research is clear. When children at […]
Texas Tour 2022 – Panhandle
This Fall, TexProtects is virtually “traveling” to seven different Texas regions to discuss the best ways to serve families and children and how to navigate those needs in the upcoming […]
Texas Tour 2022 – Austin
This Fall, TexProtects is virtually “traveling” to seven different Texas regions to discuss the best ways to serve families and children and how to navigate those needs in the upcoming Legislative Session. These community-focused virtual meetings give us deep insight into the unique needs of children and families throughout Texas and help shape the future […]
Texas Tour 2022 – South Central
This Fall, TexProtects is virtually “traveling” to seven different Texas regions to discuss the best ways to serve families and children and how to navigate those needs in the upcoming […]
Texas Tour 2022 – Dallas / Fort Worth
This Fall, TexProtects is virtually “traveling” to seven different Texas regions to discuss the best ways to serve families and children and how to navigate those needs in the upcoming Legislative Session. These community-focused virtual meetings give us deep insight into the unique needs of children and families throughout Texas and help shape the future […]
Join our panel of child welfare experts featuring Judge Delia Gonzales, Mercedes Bristol and Kerrie Judice for a discussion on:
- The state of kinship care in Texas
- Solutions to advocate for in the upcoming session
- How these solutions would be a game-changer for Texas’ over-capacitated foster care system
The research is clear. When children at various stages of CPS involvement are placed with relatives – who often step up to provide care – there are better outcomes. However, as it stands, relatives are not given the same support as other caregivers in Texas. This Session, Texas must ensure that every caregiver, no matter where the child is placed, has adequate support to meet the child’s needs.
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Event Details
Speakers
Kerrie Judice
Director of Policy and Advocacy
View BioKerrie Judice, Lserves as the Director of Policy and Advocacy at TexProtects, joining the team in January 2020. With a focus on advocating for effective strategies to strengthen families and reduce child removals, Kerrie has dedicated her career to championing children and families. Her experience includes eight years at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services working for Child Protective Services (CPS) and a year in the Texas Senate as a Policy Analyst. Kerrie believes in the collective responsibility to promote child welfare and safety, striving for an effective child welfare system that serves children and families. Kerrie holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Social Work from Lamar University.
Kerrie’s favorite place in Texas is anywhere in Austin that serves queso because she loves to spend time with her favorite people over delicious food.
Judge Delia Gonzales
Child Protection and Permanency Court
View BioIn 2019, Judge Gonzales was appointed as an Associate Judge to create and establish the Child Protection and Permanency Court in Dallas County through the Office of Court Administration. The goal of the Court is to work with youth who are in the foster care system to achieve positive outcomes as they exit foster care In 2020, Judge Gonzales was awarded the Texas CASA Judicial Innovation and Leadership Award. In 2021, Judge Gonzales was awarded the Ken Fuller Pro Bono award by the State Bar of Texas for her dedication and leadership to the youth that the Court serves. Judge Gonzales has spoken a various conferences including the Advanced Child Welfare Conference, Judicial Child Welfare Conference, and many Children’s Commission seminars. Judge Gonzales has built the foundation and fundamentals for the court to assist children who are in the permanent custody of CPS and has worked to help the youth in her court obtain positive permanency, enhance outcomes for youth in care and address wellbeing issues.